Resonator for skin-headed musical instruments



(No Model.)

E J. BARRATT. RESONATOR EOE SKIN EEADED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. No.455,297. Patented July 7, 1891.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN BARRATT, OF NElV YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ROBERT H. BENARY, OFTOMPKINSVILLE, NEYV YORK.

RESONATORFOR SKIN-HEADED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 455,297, dated July 7,1891.

Application filed March 21, 1891. Serial No. 385,923- (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN BARRATT, of the city, county, and State of NewYork, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Resonators forSkin-Headed Musical Instruments, of which the following is a full,clear, and exact description.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part ofthis specification, in which similar letters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a banjo having the implement appliedthereto. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on the line a: m, Fig.1; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the resonator removed from theinstrument.

My invention has forits object an increase in the volume of sound inskin-headed musical instruments without impairing the melody.

The invention consists of a flanged disk of metal constituting theresonator, which is so constructed that it will be easy of adjustment tothe backs of banjos, drums, or other musical instruments to which it maybe found applicable.

The instrument further consists in details of construction, which willbe hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

I will describe my invention as applied to a banjo.

A represents the resonator, which is formed of a disk of metal or anyother suitable material. 3 is an upturned flange thereon, located,preferably, at the margin of the disk. 0 O O C are 'ribs or lugs affixedto the inner surface of said disk, extending from the inner periphery ofsaid flange at suitable distances apart, preferably diametrically indirection of the center, for the purpose of spacing the instrument towhich it is applied from the disk, thereby allowing the detonations ofthe instrument free access. In the center of said disk, projecting inthe direction of said upturned flange, a sleeve or thinlble D islocated, which is screw-threaded in its socket to receive a thumb-screwE, inserted from the outer surface of said disk, which screw is screwedinto the neck, passing through the banjo-head or other convenientsupport upon musical instruments to which it is applied, to firmly holdthe resonator in place thereon, or any other approved fastening devicesmay be employed. The said upturned flange is notched at F F to receivethe neck G and the extension thereof passing through the head.

\Vhen a resonator is in position upon a banjo, the flange B is spacedsome distance from the head-rim of the instrument, and aresonant-chamber is formed below the me1nbrane of the head, having itsonly outlet at the sides of the head. Thus the tone, which is collectedand augmented in the chamber, finds a ready exit in a direction only inwhich the instrument is faced. The flange B is preferably made of awidth to extend to a point at or near the center of the head-rim.

By the use of this resonator on banjos, the

flange fitting over and virtually covering the screws usually employedto fasten the head of the instrument to the frame thereof, the clothesof the player are prevented from coming in contact therewith, saving theusual wear of clothes caused by theroughened outer surface of thehead-section.

Having thus described my invention,what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. As an improved article of manufacture, a resonator for skin-headedmusical instruments, consisting of a flanged disk of greater diameterthan the head of the instrument and devices for attaching the disk tothe head, substantially as described.

2: A resonator for skin-headed musical instruments, consisting of a diskof greater diameter than the head, provided with a flange near itsmargin and ribs upon one face within the flange, substantially asdescribed.

3. A resonator for skin-headed musical instruments, consisting of a diskof greater diameter than the head, provided with a flange near itsmargin and ribs upon one face within the flange, and a fastening device,substantially as described, for attaching the disk to the head, as andfor the purpose specified.

4. The combination, with the head of a banjo or other instrumentprovided with a skin sound-conductor, of a resonator com prising aflanged disk of greater diameter than the head of the instrument, ribsproduced instruments signed by me this 10th day of upon one face withinthe flange, and a fast- March, 1891, in the presence of the below- 10ening' device, the resonator being adapted to subscribed witnesses.receive the head and the ribs for enga 'ement 7 j V I v 1 with the rim,of the head, substantially as JOHN LARRA'} shown and described.Witnesses:

The foregoing specification of my new and Rom. I-I. BENARY, improvedresonator for skin-headed musical E. F. KROYER.

